What to Do After Being Injured on a Cruise Ship

If you are injured on a cruise ship, it is important to get immediate medical attention. As soon as you are able, report the incident to the cruise line. Document who you told, and as many other details related to your accident and injury as possible. 

Getting hurt on a cruise can be scary and confusing when your accident occurs at sea or in another country. Taking the right steps after your injury ensures you are getting the treatment you need, and that you preserve your rights to potential personal injury claims. 

A cruise ship injury lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve when you are injured on a cruise ship. Our team has over 350 years of combined experience advocating for victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Seek Medical Attention

Cruise ships have infirmaries stocked with basic supplies to handle minor medical emergencies, and most have doctors and nurses on board. If you are injured but still mobile and able to articulate your issues, this is your first stop. 

Even if you think you can ignore your injury until you return from vacation, it is smart to visit the infirmary and get checked out. Your injury could be more serious than you think, and it is important to document it when it occurs. 

If you are seriously injured on a cruise ship and require extensive care, the cruise line may coordinate with medical personnel at the nearest port so you may get treatment. In very serious or life-threatening cases, most ships have helipads in case medical evacuation is necessary.  

Inform the Cruise Line

Tell someone in a position of authority what happened. That means someone in the infirmary, the management team, or on the security staff. If you have no other choice, you can report your injury to your room steward, but the best they can do is relay your problem to someone else. 

You can visit the guest relations or concierge desk to report your injury. This is a good idea even after you have received treatment in the infirmary. They can connect you with a staff member who is better equipped to handle issues related to accidents and injuries. 

They may ask you to fill out an incident report describing your injury. Do not sign any waivers that relieve the cruise line of responsibility. However, do ask for copies of all reports and paperwork related to your accident and injury. 

Document Your Injury

In addition to requesting copies of the cruise line’s documentation related to your injury, one of the most important things to do after being injured on a cruise ship is to keep your own documentation. While the incident is still fresh in your mind, take notes on things like:

• The time of day when the accident occurred
• Where you were on the ship when you were hurt
• Whether or not the ship was in port
• Sea conditions if applicable
• Details on how your injury occurred
• The names of witnesses
• The staff’s immediate response
• The care and advice you received from medical staff
• Whether anyone followed up with you after your injury

It is important not to assign blame or speculate about things you don’t know for certain. Simply record the facts as you understand them. You may also document how the injury and the staff’s response impacted your vacation for you and others in your party. 

Your notes can help your attorney later on when it comes time to pursue compensatory damages for your accident and injury. 

Contact an Attorney

Connect with a personal injury lawyer who handles cruise ship injuries as soon as possible. We can inform you of your rights and options when you are hurt on a cruise and put together a case that allows you to get the compensation you deserve. 

Some of the common cruise ship accidents and injuries we encounter include:

• Slips and falls on wet decks
• Trips and falls on uneven decks or stairways
• Accidents due to staff negligence during activities
• Food-borne illnesses
• Sprains and strains

No matter how you were injured, it is important to speak with an attorney to find out if you can recover compensation. A lawyer can explain what to do after being injured on a cruise ship and which steps to take.

Damages Recoverable in a Cruise Ship Injury Case

Medical care aboard a cruise ship can be expensive, and your insurance may not cover it. If you require treatment in a foreign port, your bills can increase quickly. A cruise ship injury attorney can help you recover damages such as:

• The cost of your care aboard ship
• Unexpected travel costs due to your injury
• Medical care when you return home, such as doctors’ visits, medications, and surgery
• Lost wages due to your inability to work after your injury
• The projected costs of ongoing medical care
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

In some cases, you may be able to recover part or all of the cost of your cruise if you are injured due to the actions of the cruise line.

Get Help When You Are Injured on a Cruise Ship

Nobody expects to get hurt on vacation, but it happens all the time. What you do after being injured on a cruise ship can make a difference for your health and financial well-being moving forward. 

Minor injuries on cruise ships can temporarily delay your fun, but serious accidents may require care in a foreign port or shorten your vacation. You have the right to seek compensation when you are injured through no fault of your own. 

At John Foy & Associates, we have recovered over $1 billion for accident victims, and we may be able to help you, too. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and tell us your story.